AN assistant headteacher of one of Malvern's biggest schools is taking on a new challenge, when she tackles the London Three Peaks Challenge.

Claire Watson, 33, of Dyson Perrins will climb the stairways of three of the capital's tallest buildings, as well as a 5K race between.

She is set to run up The Gherkin, Salesforce Tower London and 200 Aldersgate to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer, after a friend, Becca Rogers, was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Miss Watson, of St John's, Worcester, said: "I've thought about doing something like this before, but when my friend was diagnosed a few weeks back, it gave me the motivation to do so. Especially as two other friends, Andrew Henriques and Abigail Preston, are doing the challenge with me.

"We wanted something positive to come out of it, and to help others going through what our friend is currently going through.

"She had initially been told she wouldn’t be able to see her boys as they were under 12 years old, and carried risk to her because of infection.

" As she has responded well to the treatment, the hospital has let her out for a few hours to see her youngest go to his first day at school. t's such a difficult time for all of them."

Miss Watson is now in training for the event, which in total will see participants have to climb more than 2,000 stairs between the three buildings.

"The challenge is quite daunting, but I've been going out for runs and jogs to get ready for it- I've been running up and down the stairs at home to prepare too.

"She was diagnosed a few months back, towards the end of the summer holidays, and it was horrible news.

"Whatever we can do to help others will be a valuable experience, even if it is going to be hard work."

The stair climbing trio have set a target of £2,700 to raise, which currently stands at around £2,000.

To donate to their cause, visit justgiving.com/teams/HWP

Or, for more information on Stand Up To Cancer, go to standuptocancer.org.uk

The London Three Peaks Challenge is scheduled for Sunday, October 5.